Badminton player Hidayat Taufik of Indonesia apologised for the first time for his walk-out in the Hong Kong Open after winning his first-round tie in the World Chamgpionships Septermber 19,2006.[Xinhua]

The reigning champion beat Wang NG from Chinese Hong Kong 21-17, 21-17 to begin his defence campaign.

This was the first match he played since Hong Kong Open where he walked out of a semifinal game against Chinese Lin Dan on September 1 after having failed to persuade the umpire to change a controversial decision by a lines-woman.

"I apologise for what I did in Hong Kong, but she was wrong, everybody could see that," the 25-year-old Indonesian said in a defiant mood.

"It should have been a 'out' call, the TV showed that very clearly," he said.

Taufik said he would strongly advise the international badminton governing body IBF to introduce cameras to help umpires and linesmen.

He disclosed that his main target this season is to win the Asian Games in December.

"But I will try my best to defend my title here," he said.